David Cameron: Labour has lost its mandate

Tory leader David Cameron said today the Labour Government had lost its "mandate" to govern the country.

After winning his Witney seat with an increased majority, Mr Cameron said it was clear from the results annnounced that the country wanted change.

He said that change required "new leadership" and pledged the Conservatives stood ready to do what they could to help bring about "strong, stable, decisive and good government".

Promising to put the "national interest first", Mr Cameron said he would be guided by what was right for the country.

Mr Cameron told his constituency backers: "Whatever happens tonight, whatever the future may hold, I will always work hard as a constituency MP standing up for your interests.

"Nationally we have to wait for the full results to come out. But I believe it is already clear that the Labour Government has lost its mandate to govern our country.

"Although there are still many more results to come out, it looks as if the Conservative party is on target to win more seats than we have done at any election for perhaps as long as 80 years."

He said the Conservatives had fought a "positive and energetic" campaign.

It was clear from the results that "the country wants change" and "that change is going to require new leadership".

He said: "Whatever happens tonight we will stand ready to do all that we can to help bring that leadership, to help bring strong, stable, decisive and good government for our country."

Mr Cameron said: "What will guide me in the hours ahead, and perhaps longer than the hours ahead, will be the national interest - to do what is right for our country, to make sure we have that government, have that stability, take the right decisions.

"We live in difficult times but this is a great country and we will come through them and be stronger.

"At all times what I will do is put the national interest first to make sure we have good, strong, stable government for our country."